Bait ban, sturgeon fishing closure take effect April 16 on Gilbert River

CLACKAMAS, Ore. — The Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife recently adopted temporary rules for the conservation of sturgeon in the Gilbert River.

Effective April 16, anglers will be restricted to the use of artificial flies and lures when fishing on the Gilbert River; no angling with bait will be allowed. This restriction will continue through May 15, 2020. In addition, the Gilbert River is closed year-around to all sturgeon angling, including catch-and-release fishing. The Gilbert is typically closed Jan. 1 – April 15 and Oct. 1 – Dec. 31 under permanent rules.

The temporary rule is applicable from the upstream end of the Gilbert River Fishing Pier located near the confluence of the Gilbert River with Multnomah Channel, upstream approximately four miles to Sturgeon Lake.

The Gilbert River is a tributary of the Willamette River that flows out of Sturgeon Lake on Sauvie Island near Portland.